A piece of wire 60 cm long is bent to form a rectangle. If the length is 5 cm more than the width, what are the dimensions of the rectangle?
["# How to Shape a Rectangle from 60 cm of Wire: Finding Dimensions When Length Exceeds Width by 5 cm", "If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple piece of wire into a precise rectangle, questions about dimensions often come into play. Today, we’ll explore a classic geometry problem: a 60 cm wire bent into a rectangle where the length is 5 cm longer than the width. This article walks you through the step-by-step solution and explains the math behind it, making it helpful not just for classroom learning but also for hands-on DIY projects, DIY geometry lessons, or problem-solving practice.", "### The Problem:\nA piece of wire measuring 60 cm is bent to form a rectangle. The length of the rectangle exceeds the width by 5 cm. What are the precise dimensions — length and width — of the rectangle?", "---", "### Step 1: Understand the Rectangle’s Perimeter Formula", "The perimeter ( P ) of a rectangle is calculated with the formula:\n[\nP = 2 \ imes (\ ext{length} + \ ext{width}) = 2(L + W)\n]\nGiven that the total wire available is 60 cm:\n[\n2(L + W) = 60\n]", "---", "### Step 2: Express Length in Terms of Width", "The problem states:\n[\nL = W + 5\n]", "Substitute this expression for ( L ) into the perimeter formula:\n[\n2((W + 5) + W) = 60\n]", "---", "### Step 3: Simplify and Solve for Width ( W )", "Combine terms inside the parentheses:\n[\n2(2W + 5) = 60\n]", "Distribute the 2:\n[\n4W + 10 = 60\n]", "Subtract 10 from both sides:\n[\n4W = 50\n]", "Divide by 4:\n[\nW = 12.5 \ ext{ cm}\n]", "---", "### Step 4: Find the Length", "Now use ( L = W + 5 ):\n[\nL = 12.5 + 5 = 17.5 \ ext{ cm}\n]", "---", "### Final Result: Dimensions of the Rectangle", "- Width = 12.5 cm\n- Length = 17.5 cm", "---", "### Why This Problem Matters", "Understanding how to translate word problems into mathematical equations strengthens problem-solving and analytical thinking. Whether you're designing a garden bed, planning a craft project, or teaching geometry, knowing how to derive rectangle dimensions from a fixed wire length and proportional constraints gives you a practical and visual way to grasp algebra.", "---", "### Summary", "| Parameter | Value (cm) |\n|-----------|-------------|\n| Width (W) | 12.5 |\n| Length (L)| 17.5 |", "Use the formula ( 2(L + W) = 60 ) with ( L = W + 5 ), and you’ll always arrive at the accurate dimensions — ideal for crafting, geometry practice, or real-world measurements!", "---", "Keywords: rectangle dimensions, wire bending problem, rectangle perimeter calculation, algebra word problem, DIY geometry, length more than width by 5, solve rectangle dimensions, L = W + 5, 60 cm wire rectangle", "---", "Want to try your hand at similar problems? Practice transforming real-life scenarios—like materials, fencing, or crafts—into geometric puzzles using perimeter and proportions. It’s a fun way to sharpen both math and practical skills!"]
